FHO Racing BMW Motorrad will miss this year’s North West 200 road races in Northern Ireland, and will instead focus its efforts on British Superbikes and the Isle of Man TT.
The decision was made by FHO’s owner and Team Principal Faye Ho, and, according to a statement from the team, a number of factors resulted in the decision being taken.
One of these factors was the 2024 racing schedule, which sees the North West 200 run from 6 May until 11 May, meaning it overlaps with the second British Superbike Championship round of 2024, as the Oulton Park round will take place on 4-6 May. Further, where BSB would ordinarily have no racing from the start of the North West 200 until the week after the conclusion of the Isle of Man TT, this year - as in 2023 - it has its third round scheduled for Donington Park on 17-19 May, which then leaves only eight days until the start of the TT fortnight on 27 May.
In the statement, Ho also said that “last year’s situation at the event [...] was considered in our decision”. The 2023 North West 200 saw the FHO Racing bikes disqualified for running carbon wheels, which were deemed illegal for the Superstock class under Motor Cycle Union of Ireland (Ulster Centre) (MCUI) regulations, but this ruling was made after the bikes had passed scrutineering and had qualified. The FHO team subsequently withdrew from the remainder of the 2023 North West 200.
In 2024, Peter Hickman has been allowed by FHO to compete at the North West 200 with his own PHR Performance team.
The full statement from FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team Principal Faye Ho on the team’s decision to not race at the 2024 North West 200 reads as follows:
“Of course, the decision not to take part in this year’s North West 200 was not an easy one to make; we are a Road Racing team and it’s an important event in the run up to the Isle of Man TT.
“However, after careful consideration and discussions with myself, Josh, Pete and the team, the decision not to take part was agreed, simply due to the logistics and the event being between BSB rounds, then straight to the TT.
“Last year as a team we didn’t feel 100% ready when we went to the TT and that’s something none of us want heading there. Of course, there’s last year’s situation at the event, which was considered in our decision, but ultimately the main reason is simply down to the calendar being very close.
“I have agreed with Pete that he can run at the event with his own team and it’s something I fully support. Myself and the whole team will miss the event and the Irish fans this year; we always receive such wonderful support at the North West 200 and I hope that everyone has a safe and successful event.”
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